A stroke can happen in an instant and can be a life-altering event. It inspires fear and worry in many, and for good reason. A stroke can strike anyone — no matter your age, ethnicity or sex. There is no typical stroke victim.
A stroke happens when blood flow to your brain stops or is greatly reduced. It also slows or prevents the flow of oxygen the brain needs to function properly. Most strokes are ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain — not the heart — is blocked by a clot. The lack of blood and oxygen may kill brain cells, causing permanent brain damage. This can lead to long-term disabilities, like not being able to walk or talk. Strokes can be fatal.
A stroke is a medical emergency and the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. Protect yourself by being aware of your risk for stroke and knowing what to do when the signs of stroke appear.
Are you at risk for stroke?
There are some risk factors you can't change, like:
- Prior stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or heart attack — If you've already had a stroke, your risk is greater than it is for a person who has never had one. If you've had a TIA (“mini stroke"), your risk is nearly 10 times greater. A prior heart attack also increases your risk.
- Age — The chance of having a stroke doubles for each decade of life after age 55.
- Race — African Americans have a much higher risk of a stroke.
- Family History — If someone in your family has had a stroke, your risk may be greater.
- Sex — Women have a greater risk of having a stroke and of dying from a stroke than men.
The risk factors you can control or get treatment for are:
- Alcohol use. Drinking heavily can boost your chance of having a stroke.
- Smoking tobacco and being exposed to second-hand smoke. It elevates your blood pressure, which can lead to clots.
- Illegal drug use. Using drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines raises your risk.
- Weight. Being overweight or obese increases your chance of stroke.
- Blood pressure. The risk of stroke begins to grow when blood pressure is higher than 120/80.
- Heart Health. Cardiovascular disease increases stroke risk.
- Hormones. Some birth control pills and hormone therapies that include estrogen can increase your stroke risk. Talk to your provider about the best medication for you, based on your risk for stroke.
- Blood Sugar. People with diabetes have a higher chance of stroke.
- Cholesterol. High cholesterol points to a higher stroke risk.
- Diet. Diets high in sodium, saturated fats and trans fats can increase your risk of stroke.
- Physical fitness. Being physically inactive can lead to strokes.
- Sleep apnea. This sleep disorder can up your risk for stroke.
What are the signs of stroke?
During a stroke, both men and women often report the following symptoms appear suddenly:
- numbness or weakness in the face or limbs
- trouble seeing
- dizziness or loss of balance and coordination
- confusion and trouble speaking or understanding
- severe headache with no known cause
- other symptoms may include hiccups, nausea, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and a racing heartbeat
Recognizing these symptoms and getting immediate medical care when they occur can save your life. It may also lower your risk for more serious disability. Many of the symptoms above can also serve as a sign that you may have a stroke soon. Pay attention to changes in your body and let your Primary Care Provider know if something isn't normal.
Think F.A.S.T if a stroke is happening
If you think you or someone around you is having a stroke, think FAST:
F – Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop? Or is it numb? Is the person's smile uneven?
A – Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? If you ask the person to raise both arms, does one drift downward?
S – Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
T – Time to call 911
Be sure someone notes when symptoms first started. This will help health care providers decide the best treatment. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call 911 for an ambulance so the EMTs can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Even if your symptoms go away quickly, get medical help. You may have had a TIA. Even though they're short, a TIA is a sign of a serious condition that will not go away without medical help and could be a sign that a major stroke is coming.
Resources for TRS-Active Care and TRS-Care Standard
Provider Finder®
If you're concerned about your risk of stroke, schedule a visit with your PCP. If you don't have a PCP, or want to find a new one, use our Provider Finder® to search by location, gender and specialty. A Personal Health Guide can also help you find an in-network provider 24/7. Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App.
The Fitness Program
Your health plan gives you so much more than coverage for doctors' visits. It includes a variety of programs to help you take a well-rounded approach to your health and wellness at little to no extra cost.
Sign up for the Fitness Program to get affordable, no-contract memberships at gyms nationwide.
Well onTarget®
Start working with a wellness coach through Well onTarget® and sign up for self-guided digital courses on managing stress, improving your fitness level and dietary habits, losing, or maintaining weight and improving cholesterol and blood pressure.
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare
Find a Provider
If you need help finding a provider or have questions about your benefits, please call UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday. You can also search for providers online by signing in to retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
As a TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participant, you can access a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) at no added cost. The Lifeline PERS lets you ask for help when you need it — 365 days a year, 24/7. Just push the help button on your wearable device and a trained care specialist will quickly connect you to help.
Members, family members, caregivers, and health care professionals may enroll an eligible member by calling 1-855-595-8485, TTY 711, or visiting lifeline.com/uhcgroup. Please be sure to have the member address (where we'll provide the service), telephone number, date of birth and preferred language.
Silver Sneakers
As a TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participant you have access to SilverSneakers, a fitness and lifestyle program, at no added cost.What does SilverSneakers include?
- Memberships to thousands of fitness locations — visit as many times as you wish
- Group exercise classes for all abilities — fun activities held outside the gym
- SilverSneakers On-DemandTM — online workout videos that feature tips on fitness and nutrition
- SilverSneakers LIVE — virtual classes and workshops throughout the week
- SilverSneakers GOTM mobile app
Get started today. Visit SilverSneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632, TTY 711.